Proposed Topic for the October 2025 Study Group
As many of you know, we have enjoyed the benefits of an ongoing series of 8-week Dharma study groups for several years, and it is time to organize the next one. There have been several requests for a repeat of an excellent book, “Stepping Out of Self-deception”, by Rodney Smith, so we will again focus on it. During previous study groups, I have described the book as a series of chapters that invite repeated interested contemplation and discussion, so it is worth revisiting, even for those who have previously read it. I know of two well-respected committed meditators who gave themselves a year to read, contemplate, and discuss the contents.
For those of you who were in the most recent series of meetings, I regret not giving you “first dibs” on this series, as my email group addresses were lost when I had to transfer everything to the new computer, so this is a general announcement rather than in the past about the next series, which I plan to start on the weekend of October 11, ending the weekend of November 29. There are two options, Saturday or Sunday, from 3-4:30 PM, through Zoom meetings. The number of participants in each group is capped at 7, so if you want to participate, let me know which day you prefer via email, but understand that if attendance is low, the meetings will only occur on one of those days, and you may have to be more flexible if necessary. Don’t assume that because you were in the recent groups, that you are automatically in one of the next groups also—you must confirm the commitment via email, and include your phone number. I will respond to your email confirming your participation and send a document with more specific information about the group process and discussion trajectory.
My plan is to have a “mini-consultation” with every participant during each meeting. Circumstances may not allow that, but I will do my best to speak with each person. We can talk about a concept from the book or your meditation practice. I strongly encourage each person to commit to 45 minutes of meditation every day during the course—if that is challenging for you, that can be a fruitful opportunity to develop consistency of practice. Real success integrates the concepts we read or hear about with the direct experiential confirmation available through dedicated meditation practice.
As in previous groups, the fee for the series is recommended to be $160, payable to OIMG, either through the website or via check sent to me, Peter Carlson, 1818 Carrigan Avenue, Winter Park, FL, 32789. If you don’t have $160, pay what you can afford, knowing that this contribution is a core funding project for our Sangha’s activities. I am offering my facilitation services freely, as has been the case for a few years now.
Please contact me with any questions and email your commitments with your phone number ASAP in order to enroll even if I already have that information; I need the email address and phone number in case we need to reschedule a meeting.
I look forward to getting started with the meetings and I wish you well. Peter
For more information call 407 339-5444 or email peter@orlandoinsightmeditation.org